Gills were left stunned as Northampton outplayed their hosts to cruise into a two goal lead at the break.

First half goals from Eric Sabin and Scott McGleish gave Colin Calderwood’s side the advantage as Gills players left the field to a chorus of boys from the sparse crowd.

Player-manager Andy Hessenthaler chose to rest several key players and paid the price as his side were made to look second rate against a side two divisions below them.

Despite a positive start from the home side, Northampton began to grow in confidence, and changes will have to be made if Gills are to claw their way back into the competition.

First half teams;

Gills: Brown, Smith, Ashby, Cox, Agyemang, L Johnson, Rose, Jarvis, Pouton, Perpetuini, Sidibe. Subs: Banks, Crofts, Hope, Roberts, Spiller.

Northampton: Harper, Chambers, Willmott, Jazsczun, Richards, Low, McGleish, Sabin, Bojic, Galbraith, Hicks. Subs: Reeves, Youngs, Bunn, Morison, Graham.